With over 700 vineyards inside a two-hour drive of Cape City, deciding which one to go to can pose a problem. Happily, the property closest to Cape City’s airport is a vacation spot in its personal proper – and after visiting twice, it’s time to share this hidden gem.
The welcome
After finishing the required paperwork, we have been escorted right into a golf cart, and our journey started, meandering by the property. As we handed the resort and the proprietor’s villa – together with a herd of Dexter cattle grazing within the fields – we noticed the row of white-washed Cape Dutch-style cottages, considered one of which might be our house for the subsequent three days.
The room
The property options six freestanding, two-bedroom luxurious cottages, and strolling throughout the entrance veranda was a pleasant expertise. Stepping inside, we have been welcomed by a lounge with a wood-burning fire and a eating desk. As a continuation of the nice and cozy welcome, our porter poured us glasses of Cap Classique. That is typically served in resort receptions, the place I typically really feel pressured to complete it instantly, however being served in our lounge felt each intelligent and homely.
From the central lounge, two an identical bedrooms prolong outwards, each with invitingly snug king beds – adorned with loads of pillows for many who take pleasure in making a sleeping nest – and main by sliding doorways to the skin veranda.
The out of doors area is effortlessly designed for rest: the generously sized heated pool invitations lounging, and an out of doors bathe provides each heat and funky water after a swim. Secluded from the remainder of the farm, the cottages boast a tranquil setting, surrounded by manicured gardens, with the Stellenbosch mountains within the distance.
Vergenoegd Löw additionally provides a fantastically boutique Farm Lodge, the place I stayed throughout my first go to. Every of the Deluxe Lodge Rooms is a spacious 40m² and options its personal personal deck with a jacuzzi and out of doors furnishings – and all of the farm’s amenities are only a quick stroll away.
Lastly, the beautiful proprietor’s villa is out there for selective stays – a contemporary and custom-designed house that includes six en-suite bedrooms. There are 4 Winery suites within the courtyard, every with its personal heated pool, which will also be rented out for small teams of buddies or household in search of seclusion. There’s additionally a powerful presidential fairly – a favourites for marriage ceremony {couples}!
The toilet
Returning to our luxurious cottage, each bedrooms result in giant bogs with walk-in showers and freestanding bathtubs. As a frequent traveller in South Africa, I’m all the time curious in regards to the supplied facilities – and I felt a sigh of reduction at Vergenoegd Löw upon recognizing the acquainted Therapeutic Earth labels, a premium African spa model.
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The placement
Vergenoegd Löw couldn’t be extra conveniently positioned – being the closest property to Cape City’s airport, which is a mere 20-minute drive away. Town itself is just twice that distance – however make no mistake, the property nonetheless embodies the spirit of the Winelands, providing you with a way of escape from the hustle and bustle of civilisation. Whereas among the lodging could also be new, the farm’s historical past traces again to the early days of the Cape.
One notable instance is the story of Dutch Lutheran minister and artist Jan Brandes, who visited the farm in 1786 and created intensive work of each buildings and botany, which have guided present groups aiming to honour the farm’s heritage. A few of his works are featured within the prestigious Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, with reproductions on show in Clara’s Barn.
The amenities
With so many actions on supply at Vergenoegd Löw, you genuinely gained’t wish to depart – which suggests you’ll be able to indulge within the farm’s three culinary choices. Firstly, Clara’s Barn is firmly positioned in my prime 4 South African eating places. It’s an expertise that completely hits the mark for nice eating, providing pure epicurean ecstasy from the 11-course choices to the breath-taking interiors, all paired with property wines – tucked away in a serene enclave of the farm.
Secondly, within the farm’s central courtyard (and delightful indoor rooms), informal eating is served up within the morning and at midday at Geuwels. Resort visitors take pleasure in breakfast right here, that includes tasty South African twists like ‘die soutie’ full breakfast and the ‘regmakertjie’ for these affected by final evening’s indulgences.
Lastly, with in-room eating, you’ll be able to take pleasure in no-frills delights delivered to your door – whether or not by the pool, within the eating room, or my private favorite – in mattress! There are few issues I relish greater than sinking my tooth right into a burger in mattress whereas watching the newest Netflix providing.
Then maybe saving the perfect for final, naturally Vergenoegd Löw provides premium wine. We had the privilege of spending a bit of time with the charming winemaker Vusi Dalicuba, who walked us by the wines. Vusi Dalicuba has been on the helm since 2021, having beforehand labored at a number of famend wineries. In a world the place there are nonetheless few Xhosa winemakers, he has very proudly made his mark.
From the fabulously recent tropical and Sauvignon Blanc, fantastically fruit-wood balanced Chardonnay, lighter however elegant Shiraz to the seductive cool local weather Cabernet. The wines are finest loved over the Indigenous Tasting on the veranda or tremendous trendy rooms of the Manor Home. They’re served with a bunch of favorite South African nibbles – quite than dictating the pairing you’re left to discover your personal mouthwatering style mixtures.
Different good touches
Along with the work and drawings, the property additionally boasts a powerful sculpture assortment. The Artwork Stroll is a self-guided or lead tour taking within the excellent items, which embrace a number of from celebrated South African artists Dylan Lewis and Manuela Holzer.
Strolling the tour takes you previous the tranquil setting of the lake; with the Eerste Rivier working by the property, there may be countless water with canals maintaining the gardens and vineyards well-watered. Subsequent on the stroll is the serene Valentina’s Chapel, seating as much as 120 individuals for weddings and important ceremonies. The chapel is flanked by each a labyrinth and a maze, which give a bit of leisure pre or put up your go to to the chapel.
The price
The lodge rooms begin at R7200 for 2 visitors, the winery suites at R9200, after which the cottages at R13200 for 4 adults. The proprietor’s villa is out there on selective says, with the worth on request. All lodging is inclusive of a welcome drink, fruit basket within the room, one complimentary wine tasting on the Vergenoegd Löw tasting room per keep, a restricted minibar after which each day breakfast.
The perfect bit
Point out the farm’s title and sometimes you’ll hear one thing alongside the strains of “Ah, the farm with the ducks!” The cute Indian Runner geese have turn into the farm’s mascots – a staggering one thousand of them name the farm house, and twice each day they are often noticed elegantly marching throughout the lawns: on their approach to and from a day’s duties of foraging and natural pest management.
The ultimate verdict
In spite of everything that, you’ll see why I take advantage of the phrase vacation spot to explain Vergenoegd Löw – when you thought it was nearly wine tasting or geese then they’re lacking out. After two stays, the farm already seems like house – and with the shut distance to Cape City itself, why not have an additional house across the nook?
Disclosure: Our keep was sponsored by Vergenoegd Löw.
Jared Ruttenberg
Jared Ruttenberg is a journey author from Cape City, South Africa. He enjoys connecting individuals and experiences by phrases, photographs and social media.
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